A Commended Ministry

As you read chapter 10, you will notice a clear change in tone. In the first nine chapters of Corinthians, while defending his ministry, he has spoken to the members of the church with pastoral care in tone and with confidence in their position with God. But from chapter 10 till the end, you will hear irony, sarcasm and satire. Why the change? Many think that Paul has not changed, but the audience to whom he is writing. In other words, he is now addressing the minority of Corinthians who had not repented and were still rebellious of his apostleship. So, Paul responds directly to his critics giving both a defense and a warning before his next visit. Paul knows that rejecting his apostolic authority is a rejection of the apostolic message of the gospel, thereby endangering their own souls. In his words, he shows us the nature of faithful gospel ministry to which we must aim and by which we may be evaluated.